arlie, noun

/ˈɑːli/
Forms:
aalie, aarlieShow more Also aalie, aarlie, alie.
Origin:
Afrikaans, EnglishShow more Afrikaans alie, abbreviation of albaster marble + -ie; or adaptation of English alley, ally.
Especially in the speech of children: a marble. Also attributive. See also ghoen sense a, ironie.
1970 D. Hansen Informant, Durban, KwaZulu-NatalI rouksed ten aarlies today (I won ten marbles today).
1970 J. Greenwood Informant, Johannesburg, GautengLet’s play arlies (marbles).
1985 E. Prov. Herald 27 Feb. 1Gleefully showing yesterday’s winnings in the ‘arlie patch’ is..a Sub B pupil at Grey Junior School.
1988 D. Hirson in Bunn & Taylor From S. Afr. 96Marbles: alies malies ghoens glassies puries smokies ironies twos castles tens twenties shy up.
1990 Fair Lady 6 June 111‘How do you know when marble season starts?’ I ask as they stagger off to school with bank bags bulging with ironies and alies.
Especially in the speech of children: a marble. Also attributive.
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arb, verbv.arm, nounn.
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